Genesis 41-42
We are still on Joseph’s journey from favored son to suffering servant to trusted leader. This post reveals how God shapes us through hardship. The tradition of “Go to Joseph” reminds us that we’re never alone when we seek guidance and protection.
Summary
Genesis 41
The timeline is two years later since Joseph was imprisoned and forgotten by the cupbearer. The king of Egypt has a dream about seven healthy cows coming out of the Nile River and eating grass. Moments later, seven more cows, but unhealthy and ugly, come out of the river and eat the seven healthy cows. The king had a second dream in which seven healthy and full heads of grain grew on one stalk. Later, seven more thin and burnt heads of grain sprang up and ate all seven of the healthy stalks. The king asked magicians and wise men to interpret the dreams, but no one could explain the meaning of them.
The cupbearer remembered Joseph interpreted his dream when they were both in prison and Joseph was spot on. The cupbearer relayed this information to the king, so the king called for Joseph. Joseph told the king that the interpretation comes from God. Both dreams mean the same – there will be seven years of healthy growth of crops in Egypt, followed by seven years of famine. Joseph came up with a plan to endure the seven years of hunger, so the king made him an officer. Joseph received a wife (Asenath) from the king, and they had two sons – Manasseh and Ephraim.
Genesis 42
Jacob, Joseph’s father, learned that there was grain in Egypt during the famine. He sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Jacob kept Benjamin with him because it was the only son he had left with Rachel (Joseph was their son, as well). The brothers went before Joseph, and Joseph recognized them. He remembered the dream he had years ago of his brothers bowing down to him. The brothers did not recognize Joseph as they asked to buy food from him and called him master. Joseph accused the brothers of being spies and imprisoned them. They promised they were not spies. Furthermore, they told him they would bring back a brother left at home to prove it.
Three days later, Joseph told the brothers to leave one with them and go and get their other brother left at home. The brothers realized this was their karma for what they did to Joseph. Joseph overheard this conversation and cried. The brothers agreed to leave Simeon in the prison and go home to fetch Benjamin. Joseph had ordered his servants to put the money back in with the bags of food. When the brothers went back to Jacob and asked Jacob for Benjamin, Jacob refused. The brothers also found the money in the sacks with the food and knew something wasn’t right.
Sidebar
Impressions of Joseph
My impression of Joseph in Genesis 37 was that he seemed immature and spoiled. He was indeed only 17 years old, and he was obviously the favorite child. Joseph’s feelings of entitlement are not a surprise considering Jacob treated him as though he was superior to his brothers. Joseph’s mother was Jacob’s beloved Rachel. Joseph’s dream that his brothers would kneel down to him seemed arrogant to me at the time as well.
Now, we see Joseph has gone through it. He’s been betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, imprisoned, and made an official to the king. He’s no longer the 17-year-old spoiled son. Joseph’s dream when he was younger actually came to fruition. His brothers did, in fact, kneel down to him when asking to buy food. What I perceived as arrogance when reading about his dream was actually a sign from God. As we read, I’m curious to see if Joseph will eventually reveal himself to his family. Joseph knew his brothers weren’t really spies. What is his agenda in accusing them of being spies and putting their money back in the bag of food? Is he specifically interested in seeing his full brother, Benjamin?
“Go to Joseph”
During the famine in Egypt, when people begged the pharaoh for food, he replied, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” (Genesis 41:55). Over time, the Church began using the same words spiritually to refer to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary, as someone people can turn to for help and protection. The idea is that just as the ancient Joseph provided bread and preserved life, Saint Joseph protected and provided for Mary and Jesus — and by extension all of us.
Saint Joseph is known as the patron saint of the Universal Church, workers, fathers, and a happy death. Both Josephs show us that God often works through people who listen deeply, act faithfully, and carry responsibility without expecting attention. To “go to Joseph” is to seek guidance from someone who knows what it means to endure hardship, protect what matters, and trust in God.
Intention
When you don’t know where to turn, go to Joseph. He is known as a protector. Because Joseph knows hardship, perhaps you won’t feel alone when you pray to him.
Pope Francis’ Prayer to Saint Joseph
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
